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According to ballparkdigest.com, the Astros have been in negotiations to purchase the AAA New Orleans Zephyrs and could move the team to Montgomery County, which is centered around Conroe and is north of Houston.

The Astros’ contract with Class AAA Oklahoma City runs through 2014. The Astros would have to purchase a AAA team before they can relocate a club. The Redhawks are owned by Mandalay Baseball Properties and OKC general manager Michael Byrnes said in March the city plans to retain a AAA team even if the Astros end their partnership with the Redhawks.

Former Astros star Craig Biggio is taking a lead role in the planned relocation, Crane said.

Crane also said Sunday the Astros plan to relocate their spring-training home after their lease expires in 2016 with Kissimmee, Fla. The Astros plan to have another MLB team with a spring-training base already in Florida join them at their new facility.

Ballparkdigest.com reports it’s the Toronto Blue Jays and the clubs would be based in Palm Beach County.

“We’ve got to get a vote in from the state. If they approve it, then (we) get the money,” said Crane, referring to the Astros’ spring-training move. “We’ve got to get the state to put up some money and the local city to put up some money. And they’re willing to do it. It’s in motion.”